E.D. White’s Lasseigne hopes returning pieces, experience can help lead Cardinals to state title

THIBODAUX, La. – In Kyle Lasseigne’s last four years as E.D. White’s head coach, he led the Cardinals to multiple state runner-up finishes. They fell to University Lab in 2021 and Shaw in 2024.

Both losses were by a combined 10 points.

“The momentum of the program is good right now, but we got to execute in those big games,” Lasseigne said. “The two state championship games were really tight games. Take away a couple plays here or there, maybe you win one of those.”

“That stung really bad. We worked all year so hard for it. To come up short in that moment, it stuck with a lot of us. So we’re ready,” senior slot receiver Landon Babin said.

The Cardinals are confident they can get over the hump. They return 25 seniors and an even mix of starters on both sides of the ball. While only one O-line starter is back, quarterback Grant Barbera’s return should make up for it.

“Just great comfort level. He played really well in the state championship game,” Lasseigne said. “Cool customer, makes the right decisions on the field and his arm is something we will rely on. He makes great decisions in the triple option and I expect him to continue that.”

“Worked on my footwork a ton in the offseason, improved my speed and have been getting after it with the receivers in practice,” Barbera said.

The last time the Cardinals won a state title was in 1969. E.D. While is desperate to end the 56-year drought. The players and coaches believe they have the pieces in place to win it all.

“Being able to put our names on a wall, a picture of us around the school that will stay there, create a lasting legacy, would be all we could ask for,” Babin said.

“Community support has been tremendous and we want to give them a victory. Get a win for them,” Lasseigne said. “The history of the school shows we don’t get there very often but like I’ve said several times, if you keep getting there hopefully you pull one out and hopefully that can be this year.”